After a great deal of effort, the young man finally hauled Gu Chen out of the deep pit.
"Huff—"
Setting Gu Chen down on the ground, the young man panted and complained, "Why is this guy so heavy?!"
The old director ignored him. He stepped forward, squatted down, and examined Gu Chen for a while before frowning.
"He's badly injured, but these injuries… I can't quite make sense of them."
If even the well-traveled old director couldn't understand it, the others were even more at a loss.
"Set him aside for now," the old director said after silently calculating the time. "Burying the deceased is the important matter—don't delay it. Bring him along too. Don't let the mountain animals drag him away."
"Got it!"
With Gu Chen slung over his shoulder, the funeral procession resumed its march.
Before long, they reached the depths of Wuwang Hill.
Some people dug the grave, some scattered joss paper, others lit incense and candles.
The hale old director presided over the burial rites for the dead.
In his hands was a long spear.
Calling it a spear wasn't quite accurate—it resembled more a ritual staff.
[Paimon]: What's that the old director is holding? It looks strange. (Nahida · Curious)
[Cloud Retainer]: That is the Staff of Homa.
[Hu Tao]: That's right—it's the Staff of Homa! (Photo of Hu Tao holding the Staff of Homa)
[Paimon]: So it's a weapon used for rituals? (Paimon · Shocked)
[Zhongli]: In ancient times, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's ancestors used it to purge demonic evils from the land. Those deeds have been passed down together with the Staff of Homa. (Zhongli · Drinking tea)
[Kaeya]: The old director's starting the ritual—will the half-dead Cult Leader just get buried along with them? (Grin)
[Venti]: How dare you! Kid, you're not even hoping the Cult Leader gets better? (Grin)
[Azhdaha]: Drag him out and execute him! (Venti · Confetti)
[Gu Chen]: Can't die. Absolutely can't die. (Shaking head)
Night fell.
The bright moon hung high in the sky.
The deceased had already been laid to rest.
After completing all the rites, the old director and the others finally relaxed.
Looking at the still-unconscious Gu Chen, the old director frowned in thought.
"Dad, what do we do next?" the young man asked.
The old director hesitated. "This person is no ordinary man. Either an adeptus… or perhaps…"
After thinking it over, he said, "Forget it. Take good care of him and bring him home. Later, invite Consultant Zhongli and a physician from the clinic to take a look."
"Alright!" The young man nodded.
[Azhdaha]: Wait, what time period is this? The old man is already a Wangsheng Funeral Parlor consultant? (Frowning)
[Zhongli]: This is three years before the director was born. (Zhongli · Drinking tea)
[Venti]: Oh ho ho, so you already picked out a cushy institutional job for your retirement that early, huh? Old man's really thinking far ahead! (Nahida · Pointing)
[Gu Chen]: Live long enough, and your vision naturally stretches far. (Grin)
[Zhongli]: (Furina · Amused)
[Hu Tao]: (Hu Tao · Spooky)
[Kaeya]: I wonder how Mr. Zhongli will react when he sees the Cult Leader. As the Geo Archon, he should be able to sense how powerful the Cult Leader is, right? After all, he's someone who can trade blows with the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles. (Grin)
[Ying]: By that logic, I've traded blows with the Sustainer too. That means I'm strong as well! (Grin)
[The Prince]: Siblings sparring, twin blades combined—what's a mere Sustainer? (Picking nose)
[Dainsleif]: Then why did your sister get sealed? (Confused)
[The Prince]: ...
[Zhongli]: It's difficult to say how the me in the video would react. (Shaking head)
[Furina]: Zhongli: "Oh? So that huge commotion in the sky was you fighting the Sustainer? Impressive, impressive." (Furina · Amused)
[Xiao]: ...
[Cloud Retainer]: You truly understand absurdity. (Shenhe · Speechless)
Wuwang Hill lay very far from Liyue Harbor.
Along the way, the old director became more convinced of his suspicions.
The young man they had brought back from the pit was definitely no ordinary person.
Despite remaining unconscious, he neither ate nor drank and showed no issues at all. His breath was weak, but there was no sign of fading—proof that his life had stabilized.
The old director believed Gu Chen was likely not in mortal danger. However, without treatment, he might remain unconscious for a very long time.
Eventually, the group returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Liyue Harbor.
As soon as they arrived, a woman with a noticeably rounded belly came out to greet them.
"Dad, A-Sen, you're back~."
(Couldn't find names for Hu Tao's parents and grandfather, so they're original.)
"Careful," A-Sen said quickly as he supported her, his face full of smiles. "You'd never guess what we brought back this time."
"What did you bring back?" the woman asked curiously.
"A very mysterious person," A-Sen replied with a grin.
"A mysterious person?" she asked, puzzled.
"Alright, alright," the old director chuckled. "Hurry and go invite a physician from the clinic. A-Xiu, you go ask Mr. Zhongli to come take a look."
"Alright, Dad."
[Paimon]: So that's Director Hu's mother? She looks really gentle!
[Hu Tao]: Feels kind of unfamiliar. (Hu Tao · Spooky)
[Navia]: Huh? Why unfamiliar?
[Hu Tao]: I never met my parents. From the time I could remember, I lived with Grandpa—and Consultant Zhongli. (Slams table)
[Zhongli]: It's a long story. The old director passed away peacefully. The director's father died in an accident, and her mother passed due to complications during childbirth. (Sigh)
[Azhdaha]: I'll let the old director go—dying of old age, fine. But you didn't even lend a hand when the director's parents died in an accident? (Nahida · Pointing)
[Venti]: Exactly! We can understand you not intervening in the old director's death, but you didn't help when Hu Tao's parents died either? This must be condemned today! (Angry)
[Zhongli]: I wanted to—but I wasn't there at the time. (Shrug)
[Gu Chen]: Off listening to opera, bird-watching, and admiring flowers, huh?
[Zhongli]: Not quite. I had gone to sign a contract with the Cryo Archon, and these events happened during that time. (Zhongli · Black lines)
[Hu Tao]: This Director has it so rough!! Consultant Zhongli, if you send fewer bills to the parlor in the future, I'll magnanimously forgive you. (Hu Tao · Bad grin)
[Zhongli]: Director, you really don't look heartbroken. (Zhongli · Black lines)
[Hu Tao]: How could I be heartbroken? I never even met them! (Qiqi · Faint)
[Tighnari]: Without an emotional foundation, even if there are ripples in one's heart, it's indeed hard to feel deep sorrow. That's understandable.
[Collei]: W-Wow… suddenly I feel Hu Tao is so pitiful… If the video has this many accidents too, and in the end she still has to die with regrets—just imagining it is heartbreaking. (Collei · No response)
[Nilou]: Don't say that, don't say that—so scary! (Layla · Poor)
Before long, A-Xiu returned with a calm-looking man whose eyes were deep, as though he had witnessed vast seas and long ages.
"Director," Zhongli greeted the old director with a nod.
"Mr. Zhongli, please take a look," the old director said politely.
"Of course."
Zhongli inclined his head and stepped forward to examine Gu Chen on the makeshift stretcher.
After checking for a moment, he raised his brows, a clear look of surprise appearing on his face.
"Well?" the old director asked.
"Hmm… by common rational standards, he is exceedingly mysterious. Ordinary physicians would likely be at a loss," Zhongli said, shaking his head.
"So we just leave him unconscious like this?" The old director paced back and forth.
He was clearly kind-hearted and couldn't bear to leave Gu Chen unconscious indefinitely.
But as Zhongli said, ordinary doctors were helpless in such a case.
Soon after, A-Sen brought a physician from the clinic.
After examining Gu Chen, the physician confirmed Zhongli's assessment—there was nothing he could do.
"Director Hu, forgive my bluntness," the physician said. "This man likely cannot be treated with conventional medicine. Judging by his condition… my suggestion is to let him recuperate slowly, or administer some blood-activating herbs regularly."
The old director looked toward Zhongli.
After pondering for two seconds, Zhongli nodded.
"Very well, we'll do that," the old director said with a grin, then courteously escorted the physician out.
And so, Gu Chen lay there in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
The old director came by from time to time, and Zhongli would occasionally check on him as well.
Days passed.
Zhongli eventually bid farewell to the old director, saying he had some matters to attend to and would need to take leave for a while.
The old director generously told him to take his time and not rush back—his Mora would still be paid as usual.
Zhongli departed.
[Nilou]: Nooo… Mr. Zhongli leaving now—this is when he goes to sign that contract, right? Director Hu's parents… no… (Hydro Fungus · Crying)
[Hu Tao]: Fate is unpredictable. (Hu Tao · Messed up)
[Paimon]: I don't even know how to comfort Hu Tao… (Qiqi · Faint)
[Hu Tao]: Underestimating this Director, huh? I'm really not that sad—just feeling sentimental. After all, there are so many accidents in life. No one knows whether tomorrow or misfortune will come first. So, anyone interested in booking Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services? Second headstone is half price! A special group discount prepared just for you all! (Hu Tao · Cute)
[Zhongli]: This fits my stereotypical impression of the director. (Facepalm)
[Xingqiu]: That's Hu Tao for you… understandable. That's just how her mind works. (Xingqiu · Testifying)
[Xiangling]: Used to it. (Taroumaru · Staring)
[Tartaglia]: Come to think of it, at this time, I should still be a kid, right? (Scratching head)
[Cloud Retainer]: Hahaha! If you calculate forward, even the Tianquan and Yuheng of the Qixing are still children! Shenhe too—Shenhe, when she was little… Why are you covering this adeptus's mouth? Even without mind-input typing, I can still type! (Angry)
[Shenhe]: (Shenhe · Speechless)
[Ganyu]: This feeling… it's far too familiar. (Shivering)
[Yae Miko]: Childhood embarrassing stories, right? I'll leave one ear here—remember to tell me later, Adeptus~ (Yae Miko · Bad grin)
[Gu Chen]: Shenhe, I'll teach you a trick. Just press her head to the ground and knock it three times—she'll definitely stop talking. (Grin)
[Cloud Retainer]: Gu Chen! Is this how you treat half your mother-in-law?! (Angry)
[Kaeya]: Strongly criticize! (Grin)
[Venti]: Strongly condemn! (Grin)
[Ganyu]: (Snickering)
[Gu Chen]: I kneel before you. (Photo of Paimon being pressed down to kneel)
[Paimon]: Y—You… woman!
The old director wasn't particularly busy anymore, and gradually involved himself less in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's affairs.
His son, A-Sen, was quite capable, so the old director slowly handed the responsibilities over to him—passing the torch from father to son.
A-Xiu's belly grew larger with each passing day, filling the old director with joy. Before long, he would be able to meet his grandchild.
One day—
As usual, the old director came to check on Gu Chen.
The bloodstained clothes Gu Chen had worn were long since replaced by a black robe by A-Sen.
After observing for a while, just as the old director was about to leave, he suddenly stopped.
Gu Chen's fingers twitched.
After a brief moment of shock, the old director broke into a smile.
"Finally… you're about to wake up."
The next moment, Gu Chen's chest heaved violently as he gasped for air, coughing repeatedly.
He slowly opened his eyes. The coughing worsened, and only after coughing up two mouthfuls of bloody foam did he finally catch his breath.
He looked around, confused, then locked eyes with the old director.
Before either could speak, urgent shouting came from outside.
"Director! Director!"
The old director looked toward the outside in surprise.
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was a place with strict taboos—words like "something bad happened" or "trouble" were never spoken lightly.
Hearing such frantic cries, the old director knew something serious must have occurred.
"Don't run around," he told Gu Chen, then hurried out.
Gu Chen surveyed his surroundings. Inside the room were incense and ritual items—it looked like a temporary storage room.
Shaking his head, Gu Chen regained more clarity.
Though his injuries were severe, they didn't greatly hinder his movement.
He raised his right hand. Ice crystals formed in his palm. After a long moment, he clenched his fist.
"The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles…" Gu Chen frowned, his expression darkening.
His thoughts were interrupted by voices outside.
He felt puzzled.
He heard cries of "Director" and calls to "fetch a physician."
"Something happened?"
Gu Chen quickly stepped out.
In the courtyard, he saw the old director collapsed on the ground, surrounded by several people in black clothes, their expressions anxious.
"What happened?" Gu Chen asked.
"After the old director heard the news… eh? You're awake?" The man froze for a moment, then hurriedly said, "The young director met with an accident. While conducting a funeral rite, he was attacked by hilichurls. Now he's already… The old director fainted when he heard the news!"
Gu Chen glanced at the unconscious old director, pain still etched between his brows.
White hair sending off black hair…
Gu Chen fell silent. Then he stepped forward and placed a finger on the old director's brow.
A chill flowed.
Several people widened their eyes as the old director took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes.
"He's awake! The old director's awake!"
"This young man is really something!"
"Old Director, how do you feel?!"
After waking, the old director was dazed for a short while, then let out a long, unbroken sigh.
The others also fell silent.
"Thank you," the old director said first to Gu Chen, then urgently asked the others, "Where is A-Sen now? Does A-Xiu know?"
"We didn't dare tell her at first, but she overheard while passing by. She's already gone to where the young director's body is…" someone replied.
The old director swayed for a moment. Gu Chen reached out to steady him.
"A-Sen… is there really no hope?" the old director asked, a trace of hope in his voice.
The man fell silent for a moment, then lowered his head.
"The physician already examined him. It took us two days to return from there… The young director… there's no hope."
The old director's eyes were bloodshot. After a long silence, he finally said,
"Since things have come to this… prepare A-Sen's funeral arrangements…"
"Yes!"
Everyone hurried off to carry out their tasks.
The old director stood there, dazed. After a long while, he shook his head bitterly.
"I thought this old man had already seen through life and death… yet I never imagined my son would go first… Fate truly is unpredictable."
"…My condolences," Gu Chen sighed.
The old director came back to himself and nodded heavily.
"A-Xiu's health isn't good to begin with. With such a shock…"
He grew anxious.
"Let's go! Go check on A-Xiu—nothing must happen to her. Otherwise, how will this old man face A-Sen when I join him underground…"
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage